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Story: The Inquisitor

We were all working on various angles, trying to find out who the elite members of this crime organization were. They used elite clubs to carry out their illegal business.

“I’ve got some astrological aliases you can check out.” Arrow shared the list on the screen.

Orcus, Andromeda, and Black Moon Lilith were on the top of the list.

“Do you guys know what these names are referencing?” I asked.

“Andromeda is a galaxy, but that’s all I know,” Royce said.

I’d need to do some research on these names later. Details mattered. They made up the big picture. Like the thymus and bone marrow that had critical roles in defending the body against diseases, the tiny white bloods cells carried an important function in the immune system as well. Every little thing had its purpose.

“The date to the party might change. I’ll keep you posted. Not sure if we’ll find anything, but I have a hunch we will.”

“We’ll have to make sure our plan is errorproof,” Remi said.

Grayson folded his arms over his chest. “Things have been quiet after the explosion of Club Diablo. Maybe they’re still reevaluating their next steps.”

Grayson had planted bombs inside an underground club that had served as a meeting place for this crime organization. The Commissioner of the Department of Public Works for Providence and his wife had been members who were killed along with others. I knew this organization was trying hard to figure out who had damaged their moneymaking business.

“Just keep your eyes and ears open,” Arrow said. “I’ve outlined a strategy. Once I have the documents ready, I’ll share with you.”

Arrow had been working behind the scenes on creating a powerful network that would strengthen us against The Trogyn and any other crime organizations who threatened us.

After a lengthy discussion on The Trogyn, our conversation turned to our video games, which lightened the mood.

“Are the new investors local?” I asked.

“Attikus Mount is one of them. The other investor is based in Boston,” Remi replied. “I guess you could call that local compared to some of our other investors.”

“I’m renovating Attikus’s museum. He’s bought the adjacent lot, and the new museum is going to be huge,” Grayson said. “The man’s got money.”

The more allies we had on our side, the better off we’d be. For the next half-hour, we reviewed the ad campaign proposal and discussed companies in other countries who could help promote WaterFyre Rising. I’d also downloaded the list of elite members Arrow had compiled. The unusual aliases all had ties to astrology or mythology.

When the conference call ended, I pulled up a file to prepare for a seminar later that day. But I kept checking my phone to see if Kiera had texted me. I was horny as fuck, thanks to her.

My phone rang, and Yolanda’s name flashed on my screen.

“What’s up?” I said, putting her on speaker as I maneuvered files on my computer.

“You busy?”

“Yes, but what do you need?”

“We had another customer in the store complaining today. Something’s wrong with Grandma Morena’s herbal remedy. Do you have time to stop by?”

I glanced at my watch. “Yeah. I’ll be there in two hours.”

That gave me enough time to review the herbs I’d gotten from Patricia and do what I had to for the seminar, swing by the shop, inform my lawyer, and attend the seminar. I’d been meaning to follow up with him, but time had been an issue.

“See you soon. Are you supposed to be working at the office today?” Yolanda only worked at Full Circle Apothecary a few days a week to help Grandma.

“Yes, but since you’re making time, I figured I’ll stop by to get the latest information,” she said. “I don’t get to see you often, so I consider this visit as a mini family reunion.”

I didn’t know what I’d do without Yolanda. Knowing she was there to look after my grandmother allowed me to focus on other things in my life—things that doctors shouldn’t be doing. Things that could absolutely put me in prison. But that dark part of my life was for no one to see or hear, especially my grandma. I hadn’t even told my friends about it. If Kiera knew the other side of me, would she even want me?

I flicked that thought away before it could wreak havoc on my focus.

“I’m having dinner with you and Grandma next Saturday. That’s a reunion. Me coming over to ensure the business is protected is family responsibility.”